POOLE lifeboat station celebrated 150 years of saving lives with a procession and commemorative church service yesterday.

Led by Rev Lucy Holt, 22 crew volunteers marched from Poole Quay to nearby St James’ Church at 1.45pm proudly holding aloft a flag bearing the station’s standard.

Hundreds of people then packed the church for a special service to remember the contribution made by lifeboat volunteers in the town through the ages.

Andy Whyte, chairman of the RNLI in Poole, said 800 lives have been saved by lifeboats in the area during the 150 years.

“Poole is still one of the busiest stations in the country and this is about us looking back at the past to recognise it and commemorate it,” he added.

“Last year we passed a significant milestone – we were the first station in the country to launch 5,000 times in its history.

“We have actually saved 800 lives in our time and last year alone had 120 shouts.

“Of course, of the 120 shouts not all are life-threatening, but those 800 would have drowned if a lifeboat hadn’t been here.

“So for us, this service is about saying a huge thank you to the people of Poole and Bournemouth.

“We are really proud of everything that is going on and the station is still steaming ahead.”

The RNLI first established a station in Poole on January 19, 1865, after a 32ft craft named Manley Wood was gifted by an anonymous woman and a boathouse built at a cost of £210 at North Haven Point.

Mr Whyte said on the day of the anniversary a celebration with crew members was held at the station, which was interrupted by a call-out.

“It was very apt – we had to put the event on hold for a bit,” he added.

“We have got a really strong crew but especially this year, with so many events planned, we are always looking for new volunteers so anything anyone can help us with would be super.”

For more information, visit poolelifeboats.org.uk.